Most of us have at least once in our lives experienced the truly sinking feeling that comes with experiencing data loss. It’s incredibly frustrating, and sends us almost into a grief-like state, first experiencing sadness, then denial, then desperation, anger…the list goes on.

Fortunately for most of us in the modern world, we now have data recovery services for all situations that help us to get data back. But isn’t it better to try and avoid data loss situations in the first place? Here are some tips on avoiding data loss altogether.

1. The 3-2-1 Rule

This is a long-tested and foolproof method of maximising the long-term safety of your data. Here’s a quick rundown of what the 3, 2, and 1 indicate:

• 3 - You need to keep 3 copies of your data: the original, and at least 2 backups.

• 2 - Use 2 different storage methods: internal/external hard drives, cloud storage, etc.

• 1 - At least 1 copy of your data should be kept offline, and offsite if possible.

The 3-2-1 rule is designed to protect you against all the most common threats to your data, from sophisticated online attacks to more physical threats like fires and earthquakes. With all the bases covered, you can stay safe in the knowledge that at least 1 copy of your data will be safe somewhere. It would take something quite spectacular to destroy all those levels of protection.

2. Using Cloud-Based Storage

Cloud-based storage is a great alternative to using built-in or removable hard-drive storage. There are some question marks over security, and so relying exclusively on popular cloud storage platforms like iCloud and Google Drive is not advisable for some, especially enterprises dealing in sensitive data on a daily basis.

For individual users, cloud storage is great because it allows you to keep digital copies of everything that you can access from any computer with an Internet connection. That level of convenience is just what businesses need when people are moving around and working across multiple devices: laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc. Portable hard drives can get dropped, lost or damaged, but that won’t happen to your cloud storage.

3. Simple Offline Backup Storage

No matter how sophisticated and advanced hackers are becoming in the modern age, a non-networked and disconnected offline storage device like a hard drive that is locked in a secure drawer or safe from all manner of criminal minds. Organisations and companies that are worried about the threat of cyberattacks can best safeguard against data loss by transferring backups onto removable hard drive storage.

4. Do Everything Possible to Defend Against Malware

Some companies baulk at the idea of investing in antivirus software, firewalls and other cybersecurity infrastructure. The main reason for this is that it represents a significant investment without any immediate or apparent return. On top of that, many are led to believe that their simple antivirus and firewall systems that come as a standard part of their computers are sufficient. After all, no one has attacked to date, right? So it must be working.

If your company or organisation is targeted by malicious parties with malware, then you need robust and cutting-edge software in place to defend your system. This does cost money, but every time it works, it saves your reputation from being sent down the drain!

5. Look Into Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Another cause of data loss can be interruption to local power supplies. During thunderstorms, heatwaves and other climatic conditions, among other things, power surges are possible that might disrupt your computer systems, even shutting them off before you’ve had time to properly save or backup data. This data then becomes corrupted and can start to affect your computer in other ways.

One tool you can use is backup power units for your computer that will keep the system active, allowing you to properly save and backup data before safely and properly shutting down.